Stony Plain is getting ready for this year’s Small Business Week with a series of business-oriented seminars scheduled.

Running from Oct. 14-20, Small Business Week will celebrate entrepreneurship and business in the Tri-Region. The annual celebration is a collaborative effort between Stony Plain, Parkland County, the Rotary Club of Stony Plain, Community Futures and the Stony Plain and District Chamber of Commerce.

Three events are planned for the celebration, starting with CultureFWD at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 at Carvel Electric. CultureFWD is a networking event aimed at the creative industry and will feature guests from the ProBiz Centre, Wicked Wolf Cross Fit and Country Scraps.

Dan Duckering, president of Fuel Wise Ltd., will serve as the guest speaker for the business breakfast event on Oct. 17 at the Family Connection Centre. Duckering’s speech will hone in on leadership, using discipline to push yourself towards leadership and using “intentional actions” in the workplace and at home.

This year will also feature a seminar on how businesses can successfully navigate municipal, provincial and federal governments on Oct. 18. The luncheon will feature a variety of guest speakers.

“Many people don’t realize just how difficult it is to run a successful small business and how much work our local entrepreneurs do to overcome these challenges,” said Stony Plain Economic Development Officer Shawn McCauley. “That’s why we encourage residents to show their support for homegrown businesses by shopping and dining local, as well as attending one or more events during Small Business Week.”

Mayor William Choy weighed in on the importance of events like Small Business Week, calling local businesses the lifeblood of the community.

“They give our business sector unique colour and charm, and they often go above and beyond to make meaningful contributions to our town,” he said.